Apr 2 2011: Some basic assumptions seem to help my understanding of this subject. Depression is a mood that we define in order to communicate and define it to ourselves and others.
To suggest it does not serve a purpose, though we do not understand what that purpose might be, is a bit short sighted. Depression, the expression of mood, whether reactive or otherwise, brings an unintended level of what I call self-consciousness. In some personalities, this seems to be satisfying.
Creativity has various forms. I suppose if the level of depression is profound, it would be difficult to concentrate or focus the minds attention. In fact this is often the case with some forms of depression. Depression however, does take a person to a place in their thinking that is otherwise inaccessible. In that state, perhaps we find the source of inspiration for writers and other artists who are able then to express those notions in symbols.
Depression brings on a level of acute awareness- senses alert to stimuli, unable to filter the information may be a sensory overload. When in a state of heightened happiness, this seems not to occur.
Depression is as much an aspect of happiness, as darkness is of light. In fact it is essential. Such an interesting question.
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A comment on Conversation: How can creativity and chronic depression coexist?
To suggest it does not serve a purpose, though we do not understand what that purpose might be, is a bit short sighted. Depression, the expression of mood, whether reactive or otherwise, brings an unintended level of what I call self-consciousness. In some personalities, this seems to be satisfying.
Creativity has various forms. I suppose if the level of depression is profound, it would be difficult to concentrate or focus the minds attention. In fact this is often the case with some forms of depression. Depression however, does take a person to a place in their thinking that is otherwise inaccessible. In that state, perhaps we find the source of inspiration for writers and other artists who are able then to express those notions in symbols.
Depression brings on a level of acute awareness- senses alert to stimuli, unable to filter the information may be a sensory overload. When in a state of heightened happiness, this seems not to occur.
Depression is as much an aspect of happiness, as darkness is of light. In fact it is essential. Such an interesting question.